Allen County CES

County Emphasis:

Work and Life Skill Development

Concentration 1:

Work and Life Skill Development

Situation:

Kentucky household income statistics are concerning, with the median household income in Kentucky on a downward trend (i.e., approximately $55,100, which is 74% of the U.S. median income). Most alarming, it is estimated that nearly 62% of Kentucky households do not generate sufficient income to meet living wage standards given the state’s average cost of living. The Kentucky Center for Business and Economic Research (2024) projects that, “a key for Kentucky’s future economic growth is to identify and successfully implement programs that increase the employment-population ratio, particularly for working-age adults.” The University of Kentucky Cooperative Extension Service (CES) is committed to improving the work and life skill development of adults across the Commonwealth by offering programming designed to increase the human capital of constituents. This includes providing education and training on topics such as workforce preparation, job readiness, financial literacy, soft skills, and professionalism, among others.

In a 2023 University of Kentucky Cooperative Extension Community Needs Assessment, with nearly 28,000 responses from across the state, Building Employee Soft Skills (e.g., communication, productivity, and teamwork skills) and Building Life Skills of Community Members were among the top ten Individual and Family Development Needs reported by Kentuckians.

Youth Focus

America’s future hinges on a prepared workforce and engaged communities collaborating to tackle society’s most pressing challenges. As of 2024, there are 2,465,949 job openings in Kentucky and nationwide there are 10 million unfilled jobs. Fasted growing jobs are in the fields of vocational education and higher education teachers, agriculture professionals, and digitally enabled roles: ecommerce specialists, digital transformation specialists, and digital marketing professionals (World Economic Forum, 2023). 85% of the jobs that will exist in 2030 haven’t been invented yet (Dell Technologies, 2019). 77% of employers say focus less on traditional school subjects, more on real-world skills (Kauffman Foundation, 2021). Skills like analytical thinking, creative thinking, resilience, flexibility, adaptability are key (World Economic Forum, 2023). According to the National 4-H Index Study 2024, 80% explored career options, 50% received guidance for college decisions, and 95% reported 4-H helped them identify things they were good at. To ensure a sustainable society, it is crucial that our youth are equipped to fill these positions. The University of Kentucky Cooperative Extension System Community Needs Assessment (2023) has identified key priority issues related to life skill development for young people. These priorities include youth life skill training opportunities, youth workforce readiness, and maximizing youth voice in matters that directly impact them. Empowering our youth to actively participate in addressing societal issues is essential for a thriving future.

County Situation:

Located in south-central Kentucky, Allen County is centrally located In a region with a wide variety of workforce options both within its county limits and outside the county line.  Other significant employment opportunities exist in region between Bowling Green, KY and Nashville, TN within 100 miles of Allen County.  Major employers of Allen County includes Dollar General Distributing, Halton Industries, Sumitomo, JM Smuckers and the Allen County School District.  

The population of Allen County was 21,275 according to Kentucky By the Numbers population estimate in 2022.  Approximately 60% of the counties population is of working age between the ages of 18 - 64 years of age. When analyzing the education attainment of Allen County, individuals with a High School Graduation and/or GED account for 86.5% of individuals ages 25 and older.  Meanwhile only 18.3% of the county population ages 25 or more have a Bachelor's Degree or more.  The unemployment rate in Allen County is 4.0%.

Long-Term Outcomes:

Adult:

• Increased human capital among Kentuckians
• Decrease in state unemployment rates
• Improved quality of workforce

Youth:

• Youth will demonstrate necessary leadership, teamwork, and communication skills needed to be successful in the workplace. 
• Youth participation in community involvement increases.
• Youth will serve in leadership roles in their community.
• Youth will more effectively communicate, work with others, and contribute to driving change and shaping the future. 
• Youth will become engaged, healthy, and productive members of their communities.

Intermediate Outcomes:

Adult:

• Increased implementation of employability strategies/skills
• Increased salary/income
• Increased employment

 

Youth:

• Youth will practice teamwork, responsibility, communication, conflict resolution techniques, and problem-solving skills.
• Youth will plan and implement a service project.
• Youth will choose to take on leadership roles in their community.

Initial Outcomes:

Adult:

Strengthening work and life skills, including but not limited to, developing workforce development skills, employability and interpersonal skills, and work-life management strategies. 

• Developed skills related to workforce development
• Improved employability and interpersonal skills
• Increased confidence to implement employability strategies
• Developed strategies for maintaining a health work-life balance

 

Youth:

• Youth identify personal strengths that contribute to life and work skill development.
• Increased knowledge of career pathways.
• Increased knowledge of educational, training, and certification opportunities.
• Youth will practice civic engagement, leadership and communication skills.

Evaluation:

Initial Outcome:

Indicator:

• Number of youth who reported learning new skills to prepare or improve themselves for the workforce as a result of participating in an Extension workforce development program/outreach.
• Number of youth who reported that they improved their job interview skills as a result of participating in an Extension workforce development program/outreach.
• Number of youth who reported an improvement in their personal skills (e.g., communication, networking, time management) as a result of participating in an Extension workforce development program/outreach. 
• Number of youth who reported improvement in their confidence to implement employment strategies as a result of participating in an Extension workforce development program/outreach.
• Number of youth who reported that they learned strategies for managing their work-life responsibilities as a result of participating in an Extension workforce development program/outreach. 

Method: Standard Evaluation 

Timeline: Immediately post program (6+ hours)  

Intermediate Outcome:

Indicator:

• Number of youth who developed a resume as a result of participating in an Extension workforce development program/outreach.  
• Number of youth who gained an increase in salary/income as a result of participating in an Extension workforce development program/outreach. 
• Number of youth who gained new employment as a result of participating in an Extension workforce development program/outreach.

Method: Survey

Timeline: End of program year

Long-term Outcome:

Indicator: Long-term evaluation will be conducted using the National 4-H Index Study.

Method: Survey or Interview

Timeline: 1+ years

Learning Opportunities:

Audience: Individuals, Families, Employees

Project or Activity: Development of Employability Skills

- American Private Enterprise Systems 

Content or Curriculum: Positive Employability; Preparing for Financial Success curriculum; publications, newsletters ( MONEYWI$E); Recovering Your Finances curriculum; OneOp; Enhancing Essential Skills Through the Arts curriculum and lessons, Artist Studio Guide lessons, publications

Inputs: Programmatic materials, paid staff, volunteers, community partners, non-profit organizations, schools, Court system, community centers, etc.

Date: Ongoing

 

 

Audience: 4-Hers, Extension Professionals, Clientele 

Project or Activity: 4-H Core Program Areas (Leadership, Agriculture, Natural Resources, Communication and Expressive Arts, Science, Engineering and Technology, Health and Wellbeing, and Family Consumer Sciences), 4-H Camp, Cloverbud, Volunteerism

- 4-H Afterschool Clubs: Cooking Club, Sewing Club, Livestock Club, Poultry Club, Horsin' Around Club, Shooting Sports Club, Teen Leadership Club, Science, Engineering & Technology Club, Art Club, Cloverbuds Club, Outdoor Adventures Club, Wellness Warriors Club and Helping Hands Club.

- 4-H Workshop (2x per month): Coordinates with KY 4-H Seven Core Content Areas & Kentucky 4-H Cloverville Entries

Content or Curriculum: Approved Kentucky 4-H Curriculum by Core Program Area or Area of Interest

Inputs: These programs are supported by the research base of the Cooperative Extension Land-grant system, funding from the Kentucky 4-H Foundation, Inc., local, state, and federal sources, grants, and the engagement of volunteers, youth, communities, and external stakeholders.

Dates: Program Year 

 

Audience: 4-Hers, Extension Professionals, Clientele

Project or Activity: 4-H Resume, Cover Letter, and Interview Skills Program (Club/Group/Individual)

- 4-H County / Area / State Communications Contest 

- 4-H Mock Interview Contest 

Content or Curriculum: Kentucky 4-H Work & Life Readiness Lessons, 4-H Build Your Future, Work Ready Life Skills, and Leap into Careers.

Inputs: These programs are supported by the research base of the Cooperative Extension Land-grant system, funding from the Kentucky 4-H Foundation, Inc., local, state, and federal sources, grants, and the engagement of volunteers, youth, communities, and external stakeholders such as civic groups. Focus is on Grades 8-12.

Dates: Program Years 2026 - 2030

 

 

Audience: 4-Hers, Extension Professionals, Clientele 

Project or Activity: 4-H Life and Work Readiness (Club/Group/Individual) 

- 4-H Project Groups

- 4-H Workshop (2x per month): Coordinates with KY 4-H Seven Core Content Areas & Kentucky 4-H Cloverville Entries

- 4-H Afterschool Clubs: Cooking Club, Sewing Club, Livestock Club, Poultry Club, Horsin' Around Club, Shooting Sports Club, Teen Leadership Club, Science, Engineering & Technology Club, Art Club, Cloverbuds Club, Outdoor Adventures Club, Wellness Warriors Club and Helping Hands Club.

- Kentucky 4-H Achievement Program 

Content or Curriculum: Kentucky 4-H Work & Life Readiness Lessons, 4-H Build Your Future, Work Ready Life Skills, and Leap into Careers

Inputs: These programs are supported by the research base of the Cooperative Extension Land-grant system, funding from the Kentucky 4-H Foundation, Inc., local, state, and federal sources, grants, and the engagement of volunteers, youth, communities, and external stakeholders such as civic groups. Focus is on Grades 4-12.

Dates: Program Years 2026 - 2030

Evaluation:

Initial Outcome:

Indicator:

• Number of youth who reported learning new skills to prepare or improve themselves for the workforce as a result of participating in an Extension workforce development program/outreach.
• Number of youth who reported that they improved their job interview skills as a result of participating in an Extension workforce development program/outreach.
• Number of youth who reported an improvement in their personal skills (e.g., communication, networking, time management) as a result of participating in an Extension workforce development program/outreach. 
• Number of youth who reported improvement in their confidence to implement employment strategies as a result of participating in an Extension workforce development program/outreach.
• Number of youth who reported that they learned strategies for managing their work-life responsibilities as a result of participating in an Extension workforce development program/outreach. 

Method: Standard Evaluation 

Timeline: Immediately post program (6+ hours)  

Intermediate Outcome:

Indicator:

• Number of youth who developed a resume as a result of participating in an Extension workforce development program/outreach.  
• Number of youth who gained an increase in salary/income as a result of participating in an Extension workforce development program/outreach. 
• Number of youth who gained new employment as a result of participating in an Extension workforce development program/outreach.

Method: Survey

Timeline: End of program year

Long-term Outcome:

Indicator: Long-term evaluation will be conducted using the National 4-H Index Study.

Method: Survey or Interview

Timeline: 1+ years